“For the first time in a decade we have seen a cut in total spending on mental health and the effects of this are now beginning to show. What we’re seeing here is a staff shortage crisis, vulnerable people not getting the help, respect and dignity they need and crucial care services withering away.

“I fear that what we’re seeing is a perfect storm, with GPs and charities reporting an increasing number of
people struggling with debt and job worries, services under unbearable strain, and care becoming fragmented by the chaos of the government’s disastrous health reorganisation, in the long-term.

"As Ed Miliband has said, Ministers must take urgent action to improve the standard of services and
quality of care for some of the most vulnerable patients. With Christmas approaching, it is absolutely shocking that people are being turned away like this and the government has got to get a grip.”